A Record-Breaking Christmas Artwork
Sudarsan Pattnaik Creates World Record Santa Sculpture: Renowned Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a new world record during Christmas 2025 by unveiling a giant Santa Claus sculpture in Odisha. The artwork was displayed at Niladri Beach in Puri, drawing national and international attention.
The sculpture was officially titled “World’s Biggest Apple and Sand Installation of Santa Claus”. It was recognised by the World Records Book of India, marking another milestone in Pattnaik’s artistic journey.
Scale and Material of the Sculpture
The massive Santa Claus installation was created using sand and approximately 1.5 tonnes of apples. The sculpture measured about 60 feet in length, 45 feet in width, and 22 feet in height, making it one of the largest festive sand artworks ever created in India.
The use of apples added a unique visual and conceptual element to the sculpture. It symbolised creativity, abundance, and sustainability while blending seamlessly with the festive theme of Christmas.
Static GK fact: Sand sculptures are temporary art forms, highly dependent on coastal geography and tidal conditions.
Location Significance of Puri
The artwork was installed at Niladri Beach, one of the prominent beaches in Puri district, Odisha. Puri is globally known for religious tourism, coastal heritage, and cultural events.
The choice of location ensured high footfall, as Puri witnesses a surge of domestic and international tourists during the Christmas and New Year season.
Static GK fact: Puri is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India, associated with the Jagannath Temple.
Message of Peace and Harmony
Beyond its visual grandeur, the Santa Claus sculpture conveyed a strong message of peace and global harmony. Sudarsan Pattnaik stated that the artwork was meant to promote unity, goodwill, and compassion during the festive season.
Santa Claus, as a global cultural symbol, was used to transcend regional and religious boundaries. The message aligned with Christmas values of generosity and coexistence.
Static GK Tip: Art is often used as a soft-power tool to promote social and humanitarian messages globally.
Public Response and Recognition
The installation attracted large crowds of locals and tourists, who gathered to witness and photograph the sculpture. The artwork quickly became a major festive attraction in Puri.
Videos and images shared by Pattnaik on social media platforms amplified the global visibility of the installation. The record recognition further cemented its significance in current affairs.
Sudarsan Pattnaik’s Artistic Legacy
Sudarsan Pattnaik, a Padma Shri awardee, is internationally recognised for his large-scale sand sculptures. His works often address themes such as climate change, humanitarian crises, peace, and environmental conservation.
This Santa Claus installation stood out for its innovative use of apples and its massive dimensions. It reinforced Pattnaik’s reputation as one of India’s most influential contemporary sand artists.
Static GK fact: The Padma Shri is India’s fourth-highest civilian award, conferred for distinguished service in various fields.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Sudarsan Pattnaik Creates World Record Santa Sculpture:
| Topic | Detail |
| Artist | Sudarsan Pattnaik |
| Record Title | World’s Biggest Apple and Sand Installation of Santa Claus |
| Recognising Authority | World Records Book of India |
| Location | Niladri Beach, Puri, Odisha |
| Date of Unveiling | December 26, 2025 |
| Materials Used | Sand and 1.5 tonnes of apples |
| Key Message | Peace and global harmony |
| Award of Artist | Padma Shri |
| Art Form | Sand art |
| Occasion | Christmas celebrations 2025 |
